BACKGROUND In human, the bulk of the posterior compartment of the leg is formed by the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle. The superficially-placed gastrocnemius is a bipennate muscle, but according to available literature, it exhibits numerous anatomical variations. The aim of the present study is to find out the anatomical variations of the gastrocnemius muscle in this part of Assam. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study undertaken in the Department of Anatomy, Jorhat Medical College, from August 2014 to August 2017 included 30 lower limbs from 15 embalmed cadavers of known sexes. These cadavers were provided to the first year MBBS students for routine dissection procedure. After carrying out the dissection as per Cunningham's Manual of Practical Anatomy, the gastrocnemius muscle was examined for its two heads of origin. Any accessory heads found were noted and recorded. RESULTS Out of the 30 lower limb specimens, 28 (93.33%) limbs presented with the normal two-headed gastrocnemius muscle, while 2 (6.66%) limbs (1 right and 1 left), presented with four-headed gastrocnemius muscle. Both these limbs belonged to male cadavers.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high incidence of thyroid disorders in the North-Eastern population of India a study was undertaken in Guwahati Medical College to see the age related changes in the morphology of the gland in the cadavers of this region. AIM: The study was done to compare the dimensions of the thyroid gland in this population with different studies around the world to see if it can throw any light why thyroid disorders are more common in this population and help clinicians to deal better. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The specimens were divided into three groups according to their ages. Twenty ( 21) specimens (both male and female) were taken from each age group. Statistical analysis was done by paired t-test and t was taken as significant if the value of t was greater than 2.18. SUMMARY: A study of all together of 63 specimen were taken up to see if any morphological differences in dimension exists in various age groups viz. pediatrics, adults and elderly and co relate with findings of previous workers and was statistically analyzed. CONCLUSION: The study showed that there was no morphological difference of this population with that of previous studies done in other parts of the world. Perhaps a histological study in molecular level will throw more light why this stratum of population is so vulnerable to thyroid disorders.

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BACKGROUND: The burden of diabetes has an enormous impact on population health, healthcare system and the economy. Due to the high incidence of diabetes with obesity documented all over India and throughout the world a study was conducted on 40 NorthEastern individuals with diabetes to see for any correlation between insulin resistance and obesity with BMI and WHR as obesity indicators. AIM: Aim of the study is to examine the predictive ability of insulin resistance in obese diabetic patients using anthropometric indices in the NorthEastern region of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was carried out among 40 obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SUMMARY: Obesity is one of the major risk factors for diabetes mellitus. The study evaluates the relation between obesity and insulin resistance in the study population. CONCLUSION: The study showed a positive relation between obese diabetic individuals and insulin resistance. WHR (Waist Hip Ratio) was found to have more predictive value than BMI (Body Mass Index) for the level of insulin resistance.

Background and aims: The median nerve is formed by the union of the medial and lateral roots from the medial [C8, Tl] and lateral cords [C5, 6, 7] of brachial plexus respectively. The nerve is formed in the axilla embracing the axillary artery. Lateral root of median nerve is a terminal branch of lateral cord and medial root of median is a terminal branch of medial cord. Variations in the formation of the median nerve are common and have been reported by various authors. The aim of this study is to observe the variations in the formation of median nerve that would help in clinical evaluation. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Jorhat Medical College, Jorhat. Fifteen embalmed and formalin fixed cadavers were studied for variation of the median nerve. The dissections were carried out according to the Cunningham’s Manual of practical Anatomy. In total 30 upper limb specimens were used for the study. Results: Out of 30 upper limbs, in three limbs [10%] there was duplication in the formation ofthe median nerve. Among the three, two specimens were of right side and one from the left side. Conclusion: We know that brachial plexus is located in axilla and axillary region is important not only from anatomical point of view but also from various clinical aspects as well. Awareness about the many variations of brachial plexus is important in understanding nerve blocks, diagnostic imaging, trauma and surgery.